What is the minimum wage for a hairdresser in Australia?

The minimum wage depends on whether you are covered by the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020. Under the award, the lowest adult classification (Level 1) pays $27.81 per hour from 1 July 2026. If you are award-free, the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour applies. Junior, apprentice, and trainee rates are lower.

Do hairdressers get penalty rates?

Yes, under the Hair and Beauty Award. Saturday work (7am–6pm) attracts 133% of the minimum hourly rate, Sunday 200%, public holidays 250%, and work on a rostered day off 200%. Casual employees also receive a 25% loading on top of the base rate.

How does the hairdresser salary compare to the national average?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (May 2025), the median full-time hairdresser earns $1,209 per week ($32 per hour), which is above the national minimum wage but below the all-occupations median of $1,852 per week. Many hairdressers work part-time, which can affect annual earnings.

Hairdresser salary: award rates, minimum wage, and median earnings in Australia

The Hair and Beauty Industry Award sets minimum hourly rates from $27.81 (Level 1) to $32.00 (Level 6) as of 1 July 2026, while the ABS reports median hourly earnings of $32 for full-time hairdressers.

Understanding the hairdresser salary in Australia

When researching the hairdresser salary in Australia, it is important to separate the legal minimum from survey averages, award rates, and negotiated salaries. Most hairdressers are covered by the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020, which sets minimum pay rates higher than the national minimum wage. However, award-free employees must receive at least the national minimum wage. This guide explains the different pay floors and how they compare to real-world earnings.

Award coverage and minimum rates

The Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2020 (MA000005) applies to hairdressers, beauty therapists, and salon employees. The Fair Work Commission sets the award rates, and the Fair Work Ombudsman provides guidance and enforcement. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the award minimum hourly rates are:

Level 1: $27.81
Level 2: $28.45
Level 3: $29.45
Level 4: $30.00
Level 5: $30.89
Level 6: $32.00

These rates apply to adult employees (21 and over). Junior employees (under 21) receive a percentage of the adult rate: 50% for under 17, 75% for 17, and 100% for 18 and over. Apprentice and trainee rates are also set in the award, starting at 50% of the standard rate for first-year apprentices who have not completed Year 12. An enterprise agreement or individual flexibility arrangement can require a higher rate than the award.

Award-free rates and the national minimum

If a hairdresser is not covered by any modern award or enterprise agreement, the national minimum wage applies. From 1 July 2026, the national minimum is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour week). Casual employees receive a 25% loading, making the casual minimum $33.05 per hour. Award-free junior rates are set by the Miscellaneous Award: for example, a 17-year-old award-free employee must be paid at least $15.29 per hour (57.8% of the adult rate).

It is a common misconception that every worker must receive $26.44 per hour. Juniors, apprentices, trainees, and supported wage employees can be paid less under the relevant award or the national system. Always check the applicable award or agreement first.

Median earnings and market rates

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) provides median earnings data for hairdressers through Jobs and Skills Australia. As of May 2025, the median full-time hairdresser earns $1,209 per week ($32 per hour). This is higher than the award Level 1 rate but similar to Level 6. Only 51% of hairdressers work full-time, and the median age is 36. These figures are a guide only and do not replace the legal minimum.

When comparing a hairdresser salary offer, remember that the award rate is the floor. Many salons pay above the award to attract and retain staff. Negotiated salaries can be higher, especially for experienced stylists or salon managers.

Superannuation is on top

Employers must pay superannuation guarantee contributions on top of ordinary time earnings. From 1 July 2026, the rate is 12%. For a hairdresser earning the award Level 1 rate of $27.81 per hour, the employer must contribute an additional $3.34 per hour (12% of $27.81) to a super fund. This is not deducted from the employee’s pay.

Which minimum wage applies?

To determine your correct pay floor, first check if you are covered by the Hair and Beauty Industry Award. If you are, the award rates apply. If you are award-free (for example, working in a small salon that is not in the national system), the national minimum wage applies. Use our Which minimum wage applies guide to check your coverage. For detailed rate tables, see Rate tables.

Summary

The legal minimum for a hairdresser in Australia is either the award rate (starting at $27.81 per hour) or the national minimum wage ($26.44 per hour) if award-free. The ABS median of $32 per hour reflects what many full-time hairdressers actually earn. Always factor in superannuation, penalty rates, and casual loadings when evaluating a salary offer.

For the published floors, see the rate tables and how the figures work.